Medical students across India are reporting significant issues with exam center allocations for the **INI CET 2026** examination. Candidates have received centers hundreds of kilometers from their preferred locations, sparking widespread anxiety just days before the test. The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (**AIIMS**) Delhi, responsible for the examination, faces accusations of arbitrary placements, drawing comparisons to the National Board of Examinations (**NBE**).
Exam Center Controversy Emerges
The **INI CET** admit cards for the January 2026 session became available on **November 2**. The examination is scheduled for **November 9**. This test is crucial for admissions into postgraduate medical courses at premier institutions including AIIMS, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (**JIPMER**), National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (**NIMHANS**), and Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (**PGIMER**).
Candidates report that despite selecting preferred states during the application process, their allocated centers are often located in remote areas within those states or even entirely different regions. The application fee for the exam is **Rs 4,000**.
Candidates Share Experiences
The issues have generated strong reactions among students. One aspirant posted on X, describing the situation as “cheating.” The student noted that while state names are options for centers, candidates often end up in “furthest corners of the state.” This necessitates expensive travel, such as flights, adding an unforeseen financial burden.
A medical student from Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College cited a personal experience. This student received an exam center more than **600 kilometers** from their home address. The student highlighted that friends who applied later and lived nearby were allotted centers less than **50 kilometers** away. This discrepancy fueled concerns about the fairness and logic of the allocation process.
Another MBBS student reported submitting an application early but still received a center **350 kilometers** away. In contrast, a friend submitted an application on the last day and secured a center near the first student’s home, which was **300 kilometers** from the friend’s residence. These accounts point to inconsistencies in the system.
Logistical Challenges and NBE Comparison
Doctors and medical officers have also weighed in, highlighting the severe logistical challenges. One doctor commented on X, stating, “It’s very unfortunate – AIIMS INICET has started behaving like NBE!” This comparison stems from previous instances where the NBE faced criticism for similar exam center allocation issues, causing travel difficulties for candidates.
Several professionals, including a medical officer and an MD in laboratory medicine, pointed out the difficulty of travel. They noted that centers are being allocated **500-700 kilometers** from students’ homes at a time when train reservations on most routes are fully booked. This forces students to seek more expensive and often unavailable alternatives like flights or private transport, or risk missing the exam.
The sudden travel requirements create significant stress for candidates, who must navigate long distances, secure last-minute accommodation, and manage additional expenses. This directly impacts their focus and preparation for the highly competitive postgraduate entrance examination.
AIIMS Stance and Candidate Expectations
As of now, AIIMS Delhi has not issued an official statement regarding these exam center grievances. Candidates are seeking an explanation for the seemingly random allocation process. They also call for potential solutions or accommodations to mitigate the travel and financial burdens placed upon them. With the exam date rapidly approaching, students await urgent clarity from the examination authority.